Sailesh Mehta

Practice Areas

Sailesh defends and prosecutes high-profile, complex and law-defining cases. Directories have cited him as “a real heavyweight”, “a charismatic advocate” and “a leader in his field”. His fearless advocacy is respected by opponents and Judges. His tactical advice changes the trajectory of a case.

Practice include serious crime (murder, kidnap, people smuggling); large-scale fraud and corruption; regulatory (health & safety, environmental and fire); terrorism (leading sentencing authority).

He is an outstanding regulatory advocate, instructed by Footsie-100 companies and their Directors, particularly relating to major pollution incidents or multiple fatalities after fires or accidents. He advises regulatory authorities at national level on pollution and fire law.

He has prosecuted some of the largest companies in Europe (Thames Water, Siemens, Balfour Beatty, Biffa) in relation to environmental and health & safety offences. He has recently clarified and defined the law relating to international pollution. Pro-bono work includes representation for the HS2 Protestors.

Career

Law degree: Manchester University;

Call: 1986;

Crown Court Recorder: 2009.

Professional Memberships

Bar Human Rights Committee founding member; elected to Bar Council; member of HSLA, Criminal Bar Association.

Publications

Lectures Judges and lawyers internationally on environmental, fire and Health & Safety law; writes for national and legal media.